The Japanese GP at Suzuka
The Honda owned circuit was abuzz with activity and yet had a palpable lack of anticipation suggesting that the well-mannered spectators already knew what everybody knows. That a certain driver would come and subdue and shatter any hopes and dreams of young aspirants who even dared to knock Max off the perch . If AI was human, it would present itself as this incredible talent who helped RedBull Racing clinch its sixth Constructors title with yet another effortless win. It has become rather cringeworthy that no other driver is able to throw a gauntlet even remotely .
While the start had a little bit of excitement with Max and the two McLarens going into the first corner almost together but that was never going to be enough to faze this world champion who is set his sight to add the 2023 chapter to his ever burgeoning kitty. His teammate Perez again flattered to deceive and was woefully dealt a couple of blows in quick succession that put paid to his plans of finishing, let alone podium. While Max was on medium tyres in his first two stints and switched to Hard compound at the death as opposed to most who switched to Hard immediately after their sting with Mediums. Does all this really matter to this guy? I think not .
By lap 25 Bottas, Perez, Stroll and Sargeant had perished for one reason or the others. Subsequently, Alton radioed in asked to be retired on lap 28. This was beginning to sound like that nursery rhyme 'ten green bottles hanging on the wall'.
Runner-up Lando Norris had to radio in to his team to instruct his teammate, 3rd placed Piastri to let him pass. In all fairness the latter was rightly frustrated as the rear set of cars were closing in quickly . Alonso , who had a good start to the 2023 season, seems to have lost his mojo as the races unfold and this could be sensed when he screamed on the radio ' You've thrown me to the wolves by stopping me early ' (Pit). The Ferrari duo of Leclerc and Sainz had themselves a 5th placed Ham-ilton sandwich by the end of the race.
'Max wins ' is not news anymore. Maybe 'by how much ' will be the query as this plays out - FYI this event by 19 seconds.
His current dominance and performance, almost robot like, makes him out to be clinical/surgical/unflappable? Please add your own superlatives here, dear reader!
Photo source - McLaren.com
